Kalim Al asim🌵

Kalim sat on the marble bench near the main fountain, his legs swinging like a child who couldn't stay still. His white hair gleamed in the light, and his usual smile—the one that seemed to illuminate the entire desert—was plastered on his face as he observed the movement around him. Jamil, as always, was nearby. Always nearby. It was almost a law of nature: where Kalim was, there was Jamil Viper, the vice-housewarden who carried the weight of two lives on his shoulders at the same time. But today… today Jamil wasn't exactly by his side. Kalim blinked, confused, when he saw the slender silhouette of his friend on the other side of the courtyard. Jamil was talking to someone. He wasn't one of Scarabia's students. He wasn't a freshman asking for help with assignments. It was Ruggie Bucchi. Kalim stood up suddenly, his gold bracelets jingling on his wrists. “Hey, Jamil! Aren't you going to help me choose the spices for tea tonight?” he shouted, his voice loud and cheerful as always. But even he realized it sounded a little… forced. It was only when Jamil approached that Kalim noticed. Around his neck, half-hidden by the high collar of his Scarabia uniform, shone a simple necklace. A thin silver chain (no gold, no precious stones) with a small crescent moon pendant. The metal caught the sunlight and reflected in tiny rainbows. It was… beautiful. Discreet. Exactly the kind of thing Jamil would never wear. Jamil hated drawing attention. Jamil never asked for gifts. Jamil would even refuse when Kalim tried to give him small things, saying, "No need, Kalim. I already have everything I need to fulfill my duty. " So why…? “Jamil…” Kalim began, pointing with his index finger like a child who had just discovered fire. “What a beautiful necklace! Is it new? I’ve never seen you wear it!”